My Twin Pregnancy Journey
To say my pregnancy journey was difficult would be an understatement.
I always remember hearing how pregnancy was a beautiful time, and it would be one of the most amazing times of your life. Clearly these people did not have hyperemersis (HG) and they did not suffer from Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP). In short, this means that from 5 weeks pregnant, I was vomiting daily, even mutliple times a day and this continued right up until my c-section. In fact, I was nearly sick three times during my section as well, which was not how I wanted that to go. The pains began from around week 15, and these also continued until I gave birth.
In all honesty, the easiest trimester of my pregnancy was probably the first trimester. I mainly believe this as simply, there was less pain in this trimester compared to the other two, and I still had hope at this stage that the sickness would pass eventually.
My main symton at this stage, aside from the sickness, was exhaustion. I’ve came to learn this is incrediably common in all pregnancies, but more so in a twin pregnancy, alongside cramping and bloating. Really I should have seen this as a sign of a multiple pregnancy as I noticed the dip in energy levels as soon as I got the positive test. However, I was still in a lot of shock when I was told at 6 weeks pregnant that I was carrying twins (a shock that still comes back to me now!). Due to a previous pregnancy loss, I attended the Early Pregnancy Unit 3 times prior to my 12 week scan (which was really at 11 weeks, but that happens a lot). I cannot fault the care provided by the amazing midwives and staff at the Unit, and the kindness in dealing with someone who was terrified at each scan. Also the advice given by them was incrediably useful! For any pregnant ladies reading this, get yourself on a vitamin D suppliment, and a probiotic! They really do help!
My second trimester was filled with firsts, including getting to attend the Twins clinic in a hospital an hour away. These visits were some of my favourites, as the majority of staff truly cared about how you were coping and as you visit so often, you build great relationships with the staff. It was also one of the doctors at this clinic who got me on to the correct medication to help me cope with the sickness. This same doctor was there during my c-section and who likely remembers me for my unforgettable one liners about the joys of pregnancy.
This trimester was also the only time were I felt “safe” in my pregnancy. The first trimester was filled with fears of another pregnancy loss, and the third was filled with the fear of a premature labour. I luckily did not have those worries during this trimester. I did however notice a decline in my mental health during this trimester. I came off my mental health medications when I found out I was pregnant, due to the risks assosciated with it. I still do not regret this, but it did mean that I needed extra support from the Mental Health team based in another hospital, and also a support worker, who stayed with us until I was 6 months post partum.
At 25 weeks I was put back on my medication, it did help, but it also had a side affect we would not know until after the twins arrived (but that will be in my birth story post!). I also received my Covid booster during this trimester, and while some may see this as unnecessary, I just wanted to be sure I was doing all I could to protect the twins.
Finally, during my third trimester, I felt like the end was in sight. At this stage we knew both babies were in different types of breech positions, with twin B (Niklaus) being transverse, meaning he was laid across on his side. Twin A (Freyja) was also transverse towards the end, meaning that it was more of a worry if I did go into a natural labour.
I was booked in for my section, and the date did change twice. I still remember telling my consultant that I ideally did not want to go past 37 weeks due to the numerous issues in my pregnancy. Plus at this stage I also ended up spending time in hospital due to suspected pre-eclampsia, which led to me going on blood pressure medications until 2 months post partum. To say I was counting down the days until my section was an understatement!
Then, on the day of my section, my waters broke before 6am! We later learnt that it was the waters related to Twin A, which I had guessed before we got to the hospital. I still remember the pain of contractions, but for me these weren’t too bad, mainly as I suffer from painful periods, so it felt less than that for me.
Luckily, I was already planned for my section that day, so once I got there, most of the prep was already done, including having the anethitics doctors ready due to my bad vein access.
Overall, pregnancy was not a great experience for me, and I honestly would not be too keen to go through it again. However, it was very worth it to gain the twins! I was also pregnant during the first semester of my final year of university, which also is not ideal, but life doesnt always go to plan. Next I’ll be covering my labour story, and our time on the post-natal ward.
Bronagh x